The Cleveland Cavaliers are reportedly in “advanced discussions” to trade for LA Clippers’ All-Star James Harden. The deal would seemingly include a swap of Harden for Darius Garland.
Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix broke the news, and ESPN’s Shams Charania later confirmed it. The Clippers are looking for a suitor to take Harden, and the Cavs, along with other teams, are expressing serious interest.
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It’s worth noting that Harden has a no-trade clause and would need to approve of any deal the Clippers make. That adds another layer to consider. Harden would have to sign off on playing in Cleveland before the Cavs could acquire him.
Mannix also added that Cleveland is seeking additional draft compensation in the trade. This has been a holdup for LA.
This is somewhat of a shock. We’ve known the Cavs are turning over every stone to find potential upgrades. But 36-year-old Harden wasn’t on many people’s radar. It feels insane on the surface to trade Garland for a player who is 10 years older than him and hasn’t proven he can get the job done in the postseason.
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Granted, Garland hasn’t proven himself either, but he’ll presumably have many more chances to do so before his career is all said and done. Harden might be running out of time.
Numerous teams have convinced themselves that Harden can put them over the top. Thus far, no franchise has won that bet. I believe that Harden is better than he gets credit for in the playoffs—but I’m not eager to make the same mistake that the Brooklyn Nets, Philadelphia 76ers, and Clippers have already made.
This is where I have to mention how great Harden still is on the basketball court. He’s averaging an efficient 25 points and 8 assists, all while playing 44 of LA’s 49 games this season. Harden has been more impactful and more durable than Garland this season. That’s a fact.
Also true is the age difference. It’s a bold move to hitch your wagon to a player who turns 37 this summer. The Cavs’ window won’t be open forever; we know this. But trading for a star who is closer to retirement than his prime is a risky move.
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I’ll save the rest of my thoughts on this until we find out more. For now, keep your notifications on and brace for impact. Trade season is in full swing.
